The Panasonic DMC-G1 is light in weight and very responsive with a bright, highly detailed electronic viewfinder, and a flawless 3 inch LCD monitor. The 14-45mm kit lens is very sharp, rendering...Read complete review

The Panasonic DMC-G1 is light in weight and very responsive with a bright, highly detailed electronic viewfinder, and a flawless 3 inch LCD monitor. The 14-45mm kit lens is very sharp, rendering excellently detailed images.

The G1 is a well-designed camera capable of producing amazing images effortlessly. However, if you thought that because the Panasonic G1 has no mirror box/prism mechanism it would be a noiseless vibration-free camera, you will be disappointed. The lens itself focuses silently but the G1 body is just as noisy and generates more vibration than the Canon EOS XTi(400D), although for all intents and purposes the vibration has no bearing on the sharpness of your photos, thanks to the MEGA O.I.S (optical image stabilizer).

A comparison of photos taken within seconds of each other (using the Panasonic G1, the compact Panasonic TZ-5, and the Canon XTi with 24-105mm f4L IS attached) and printed as 11x17 inch images showed surprising results: the sharp optics of the Lumix 14-45mm showed no color fringing, and was sharp to the edges and corners. The real treat came in seeing the end results of working with the RAW files generated by the G1 and manipulated through the SilkyPix (v3.0.1.6) bundled software. Amazing, noise-free and beautiful. The G1 Film Modes allows you to alter sharpness, contrast, saturation, and noise reduction values to your own liking, as does manipulation through SilkyPix.

Interestingly, just comparing jpeg to jpeg 11x17 inch prints, there is a greater similarity in color rendition from G1 to XTi than from G1 to TZ5. The difference in fine detail on an 11x17 print between the G1 and the TZ5 is stunning and obvious to any eye; one straining through fuzziness, the other crisply detailed. The source of that image quality difference is the sensor. Granted, in an 8x10 inch print these differences would be moot. And to my surprise, the G1 even captured a crisper image than the Canon XTi.

Shooting in Single shot mode (RAW + Fine) there is noticeable delay (of perhaps three seconds) before the viewfinder becomes active again unless you press the shutter button lightly to activate focus. In Burst Mode shooting six shots in rapid succession is possible but then there is a delay of several seconds as the camera writes the files to the memory card.

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Use Leica M-Mount Lenses on a Pseudo-SLR

The Micro 4/3 system so far (mid-August) includes only two cameras, Panasonic Lumix G-1 and Olympus E-P1. The Lumix incorporates a pseudo-SLR viewfinder system in which you see the image of...Read complete review

The Micro 4/3 system so far (mid-August) includes only two cameras, Panasonic Lumix G-1 and Olympus E-P1. The Lumix incorporates a pseudo-SLR viewfinder system in which you see the image of a viewing screen identical to that shown on the back of the camera; the E-P1 has no viewfinder except the screen on the back, using which is almost impossible in sunlight and leads to image shakiness despite the E-P1's internal shake-dampening, since the camera isn't braced against the photographer's head. In the Lumix, shake-dampening is entirely contained within the manufacturer's lenses, so that it, too, has no dampening if you mount lenses from another manufacturer.Nevertheless, Novoflex and a Japanese company both have made adapters to use Leica rangefinder M-Mount lenses on Macro 4/3 cameras. This is possible because of the very short back focus of the Macro 4/3 design, which lacks a mirror and is considerably shorter than the Leica M-cameras' back focus. Leica Thread-Mount (and Canon, Nikon, and so on through everyone who used to make them) lenses can also be fitted to 4/3 cameras by using a thread-to-M-Mount adapter ring, if you can find one. Of course, in the 4/3 system, each lens covers the equivalent of a 35mm camera's lens that is twice as long.For example, my Canon 100mm f/2.0 lens becomes the equivalent of a 200mm f/2.0 when I put it onto the G-1, and this is a possibility not to be sneezed at. It's a combo that on the E-P1 held at arm's length would probably be too unsteady, but the G-1 rests against the user's head. A 50mm Summilux f/1.4 becomes a 100mm, 35mm lenses stretch to 70mm, and so on; you can't make a really wideangle combination here. But what you can do works: my 135mm f/3.5 Canon is essentially a 270mm f/3.5. Not bad!Of course, there's no autofocus; you have to focus manually on the G-1's screen, which isn't really made quite right for this use. Nor is there any hope of an auto-diaphram; you must close the lens down manually before making each exposure. On the other hand, once you've found the proper setting lurking at the very end of one of the G-1's menus to tell it to work with no lens mounted, you actually do get auto-exposure at whatever f-stop you have set the lens to.As a proper camera using the two Panasonic lenses made for it, the G-1 may be difficult to use, largely because the control wheel just below the shutter release tends to wander away from where you've set it, but also because if you set the camera to give you a 5-second (for example) review of whatever shot you've just made, the same review also happens in the camera finder until you press the shutter release halfway: if you're trying to shoot a quick sequence, the best solution is to set the G-1 for zero review.As a fun family camera, the G-1 probably makes the grade. As reflex (sort of) camera on which you can use Leica rangefinder-mount lenses, it's really all we have at the moment. For any other serious purpose, though, a knowledgeable user can do better. A professional camera, it's not.As for recommending it to a friend: that would depend on what the friend wants to accomplish!

I've used a Nikon D40 in the past and really liked taking more control over a simple point and shoot. I wanted something small, easy to use, with great picture taking abilities. The Lumix is all of those things. After just a day or two playing around with it I already know most of the settings. The "intelligent auto" mode is great for everyday pictures with not having to worry about anything but the framing of my shot. The view finder and back screen are fantastic (back screen is hard to see in sunlight). I would recommend this to anyone whose looking for an upgraded camera, but without the hassle of trying to figure out tons of features.

As a former TLR and SLR user I chose micro 4/3 for many reasons including size, weight, articulating LCD. All work as advertised. Excellent value. I bought the G1 because I liked the "old" 14-45 kit lens more than I wanted the touch screen on the G2.

I have been using Lumix cameras for a few years now, but this is my first step up to an interchangeable lens camera and Lumix has not disappointed. The controls are well arranged and very intuitive. The raw images have beautiful detail right out of the camera with little or no tweaking needed in Silkypix. I have not messed around with the higher ISO settings yet, but everything from 100 to 400 ISO has been stunning. I am very happy with this camera.

Currently own a Canon 1D mark III and a Canon 7D and have owned may full size digital SLR's. I was looking for something small and light for travel. This camera has exceeded my expectations in every way. Pictures are crisp and sharp straight out of the camera. I especially like the electronic viewfinder and the ability to playback your pics through the viewfinder. The image stabilization is very good and the absence of a mirror helps also.

Only negative is the battery life....it won't last a whole day. Pick up a second battery like I did.I don't mind the trade-off which is a light battery vs. a heavier longer lasting one.

I was originally looking for a 14-45 mm lens for my GF1, but decided to buy the G1 zoom kit. The micro 4/3 format cameras do every thing I need for everyday photography. I have used the G1 and GF1 cameras to photograph a wedding - the bride and groom were very pleased with the results.

I use this camera for digiscoping, and it's as close to perfect as it could be. The Liveview with the 10x magnification is the best feature for me. I shoot entirely in manual focus, so I have to be able to see clearly, and this camera gives me that capability. My only wish is that there was one button you could press to get that screen instead of having to press two buttons. It shoots on continuous and in RAW MUCH faster than my Nikon P6000.

I've owned cameras like Canon's G7, G9 and G10 as well as other compacts and point and shoots ... all in search of a camera that could take the place of my larger DSLRs and lenses on trips and vacations.

Well, I've finally found that camera. The G1 is small, light and perfectly proportioned for my hands. More importantly, its takes great pictures. The color is very accurate and the resolution of fine detail couldn't be better. I am extremely impressed and very happy with the purchase.

The level of control and the button arrangements are near-perfect. Is it a DSLR killer? No. Does it come close to DSLR quality? Yes. Close enough so that I feel extremely comfortable taking it on my next trip and leaving the heavy DSLR and lenses at home.

The G1 is the first EVIL (Electronic Viewfinder, Interchangeable Lens) camera to come on the market. It has successfully overcome the two major problems with this design; i.e. clear viewfinder and fast focusing. There is still however, a problem with the viewfinder and focusing in low light conditions. There is one further problem, at least for me, the control buttons are both too small and too close together. Even with those problems, I found this to camera to be ideal for all types of photography. I use mine for Candid (street) Photography, Birding and Macro. One other advantage of this camera is that all most any lens made in the last 50 years can, with an adapter, be used. My collection of Pentax K lenses have been given a new life thanks to the G1. Overall, I would rate this as the best camera that I have used in over 60 years interest in photography.

As an avid photographer, I was excited to find a fully digital SLR. Yes, I know technically it isn't considered a SLR because it is fully digital, but for lack of a better description that is what it is. I was interested in the fully digital concept because of it's size. I have small hands, and some of the bigger SLR's like the Rebel were big and bulky for me, and heavy to handle after awhile. This camera is 1/3 smaller than a traditional SLR and lighter too, even with the 200 mm zoom lens attatched. Not to mention it is easier to travel with!

The pros are: The battery life is awesome, I can get more than 300 HQ photos taken before the battery starts to run low. It also has several burst modes available for those action shots, which is nice. The swivel lcd is awesome, and I love the realtime view finder as you don't need to push a button to switch between the lcd and the view finder. Your scene choices are plenty, plus you can design up to 2 custom settings for yourself too. There are so many options to choose from, it is fun to try them, but also can be overwhelming to learn (which is a con), but I suggest learning a little at a time, and carrying the 200 page instruction book with you for awhile!

The cons: Not having more than 2 lenses to choose from at this time. Sure you can use other SLR lens, but you need an adapter to use them, and your auto mode will not work with some of those lenses. As listed above, the amount of options and setting you have available can be overwhelming to learn and the instruction book is not laid out well in my opinion. I also wish it has video capability, but it doesn't. Panasonic does have another camera out now that does, but it costs more, and does not have some of the features this one offers. So you have to make a choice. My choice would be to have it all in one!

Overall impression: I am glad I bought the camera, and am looking forward to Panasonic coming out with more lense choices. If you already own a Panasonic digital camera you will have an easier time learning all the options because the menu screen is laid out similiar to their other cameras, which is nice. I also highly recommend you splurge and purchase the 200 mm zoom lense, especially if you like to take photos of landscape, wildlife or sport shots.

Many years ago I owned a Sony F828 and loved the ability to swivel the lens. Eventually, I wanted to get into DSLRs so I could use different lenses. Ever since then, I have missed the swivel feature. I started to see some really good reviews about the G1 so I decided to give it a try. So far, I love it. The kit lens is a very useful focal length. After I got the camera, I read some more reviews about the lenses that are available for it. I got the 20mm F1.7. When you attach this lens to the camera it looks like a little toy. This is good thing because it doesn't intimidate people like a huge DSLR with a huge lens does. Also, you can take this camera into places that won't allow any pro photographers with their gear. It may look like a toy but this little camera is capable of creating some very nice pictures.

Likes

Noisy at high ISO (fine up to 800)Very small-easy on the neckSuperb resolution (especially in raw files)Swivel screen (helps to get shots that would almost be impossible with a DSRL.You can take ground level and over the head shots effortlessly. Also, you can take pics while the camera is ion your lap. It will look like you are viewing your pics or changing some settings. This gives you much better candids. You can also take pics around corners if you want to be really sneaky!! :)Fast focus-as good as entry level DSLRs.Shutter speed simulation (you can the exact effect the shutter speed is going to have on the picture-Running water, moving trains, moving cars (headlight & tail light trails, etc...)When you adjust the manual focus ring the camera zooms in the image so you can be sure focus is exact. You can't do this through a viewfinder using a DSLRMovable live histogram (so it isn't blocking an important part of the photo)Intelligent auto mode for when you have to take a pic in a hurry and don't have time to set all the settings. Also handy for when you hand the camera to a another person to have them take a photo. It great enhances your odds of getting a good photo. 2 programmable white balance settings Very flexible AF-system with movable AF-area and very effective AF tracking-you can lock in on a subject and the camera will stay with the subject as they move closer of farther from you. It works very well!!Excellent electronic viewfinder (Hi def.) You can display a rule of thirds & center of photo grid. This is visible in the viewfinder and the 3 inch screen. This really helps to align your shots.Max of 7 shots for auto bracket! Great for HDR!!!On bright days you can view your pics in the viewfinder (when it is really hard to see the screen)

Dislikes

Although the kits lens is very useful, I didn't like being forced to get it. I would have preferred to buy the body only and then pick the lenses I wanted. Proprietary cable to tranfer pics from camera to computer.Buttons are very small. Easy to accidentally push the wrong buttonLenses are so in demand and are often out of stock. So, you end up paying a lot more for them. I paid $100 dollars more than I should have for the 20mm F1.7. Once more lenses are made available the prices should come down.

Don't like the software that comes with it. It works OK but I find it a little bit odd to use. I just purchased Lightroom 2. It reads the G1 & Canon raws so I will be able to use one program for all of my editing.

Bottom line: This camera is a lot of fun to use. It does so many things right!! I am very happy with my purchase. I am really enjoying the ability to take pictures from very different angles. That is the main reason I got it. Finally, I can take pics of children, dogs, cats, and other small animals at eye level without having to get on the ground or lay on the floor. Also, I am able to shoot up on flowers now with very little effort. With my DSRL I always had to guess when I was pressing the shutter button. Now I can frame my subjects exactly how I want to and I can also ensure the focus is correct.

This is my second G1 and I bought it as a backup to my original G1. It is physically smaller than most dSLRs and I really like the way it fits into my hand. It is very easy to use and most controls are easily accessed. I also love its overall build and balance.

The G1 has only a few lenses available for it and I have both the 14-45mm and the 45-200mm lenses which cover the equivalent range of 28-400 with a 35mm camera. That keeps me pretty well equiped and it weighs comparatively little.

The electronic viewfinder works well. In low light it seems to me to be brighter than the view through a mirror box reflex system.

I really love the "live view" articulated arm LCD monitor. It lets me frame in difficult settings where I can't get my eye to the viewfinder.

The proof of course is in the pictures and my clients love the very sharp 13"x19" prints I've made for them.

I've been a photographer for a long time. I've seen the photographic world change many times. Over the years, the way I've dealt with buying cameras was on the basis of whether or not they did the job I bought them for.

I had a Nikon D90, and bought this camera as an small and light option. Well, I sold the D90. The G1 electronic viewfinder is HUGE, full frame like, I have all info, including the histogram in it, and I adjusted it to show me (when photographing taking my time), 3 seconds of the photo taken in the viewfinder, then 3 seconds of it zoomed 4x, again in the viewfinder, to check focus, etc. It has an autofocus that is probably quickier and more precise than the D90. If I want to focus manually, the lens and the camera understands that, just touching the focus ring, and opens a small window in the middle of the viewfinder zooming 4x, to help me focus! The 14-45mm kit lens (28-90mm equiv.)is a very good kit lens, and the Mega OIS gives me 4 extra stops, for real! Better than the Nikon 18-105mm's VR.The high ISO noise is about 1 stop worst than the D90, but I still think I'm better with the G1, all things considered. I also bought the 20mm 1.7 prime (40mm equiv), which is the best lens I used in my 48 years of photography. It gives me the low light capacity that the kit lens can't give. The battery delivers easily the number of shots I need.AND the camera and lenses are small and light! I have the cake, and have eaten it too!! I'm just praying for a 45 or 50mm 1.7 with OIS(90 or 100mm equiv)with OIS, and IQ equivalent do the 20mm(not the expensive and not impressive Leica macro). I would buy it immediately.Come on Panny!

I am using this camera with the 20mm f1.7 pancake lens. I considered the GF1 but the viewfinder won me over to this camera. I have given up using zoom lenses in candid photography, preferring now to just use the slight wide angle similar to what we see, and position myself to get the shots rather than using a zoom.

The camera is small and light enough to be unobtrusive, yet looks semi-pro so I'm not in danger of being taken for an amateur. I'm using the viewfinder exclusively except when I need to use the twist function of the LCD screen to get an overhead shot etc.

I can see a potential use for virtually every one of the many features of this camera, but set to Program, centre weighted exposure and centre point focus, it does everything I need accurately and fuss-free.

Unless you have an absolute reason to go for the smaller size of the GF1, I would recommend this camera over the GF1 just because of the viewfinder. LCD screens are good until you move out into the sun, then they are often useless. This camera combines the two options much more elegantly than the GF1 with its add-on viewfinder.

Could not really pick out any cons for this camera. It's not a pro camera but it would take an expert to tell the difference in most shots.

Biggest asset is size and wt. Really fine images in a small package that is easy to tote around all day. Zoom (14-45) is best range for normal useage. Image quality is superb for the price and size. Only drawback I found is that some of the metering was a bit off (highlights blown); I shoot mostly in P mode with this camera, so maybe it did not respond as fast as my finger can press the shutter sequentially. However, it is well worth the price and definitely stays in the bag as the best backup ever

I've been a hobby photographer on and off for 25 years (mainly 35mm and a home darkroom). About 5 years ago I jumped into digital with a Nikon D50. But I was a bit disappointed. It seems every digital photo I took (whether from the Nikon or from a cheapo cellphone cam, or even a photo scanner) had to be somewhat "enhanced" with PC Software. I'm on the computer all day long, the last thing I wanted to do was auto-enhance every one of my photos.

Along came my new Lumix - I can't say enough how the pics straight off the camera are "printable quality". This is the first time I've ever used a PrintBridge to print directly to a photo printer from the camera. Output is great, it's like the auto-enhancing is builtin.

Now if you're a real post-production enthusiast, no problem. These pics are not 100% perfect (who is?), so there is still room left to tweak to your hearts content.

Two minor things I didn't like: 1.) The LCD is jumpy when you move the camera around fast or quickly spin the lens zoom. I guess that's more like a big "duh" on my part. I probably just have to get used to that. 2.) The photo editing software supplied with the camera is cumbersome to use. I found it quite difficult to figure out how to take a jpg or raw and just shrink it down in size so I can later use it on the web, email, it, etc. Atleast I have a zillion other photo apps on my PC.

So far I have usaed it for daily family gatherings and some scenery shots. The camera is light to carry around. It is quite easy to use since I used other SLR cameras before. The photos come out very good although I am still learning to use the different capabilities. I did try the night view using long exposure. There were slight blur of image after enlarged a few times. I think it is due mainlky to forgeting to turn the image stability off when using the tripot. I do wish the lens has a longer reach.

I had high hopes for the G1 but after using it for a weekend I returned it to B&H. My plan was that it would function as a "walk around" alternative to my D300; something lighter and more compact with decent IQ. Unfortunately it is either too complicated to access certain functions (WB, ISO) or the buttons are too small for my hands. The fact that RAW was not supported by Apple didn't help, although I knew that going in. JPG IQ was excellent, though.

This camera was bought as an up-grade from the two 4-mp digital cameras I own (Kodak and Panasonic), which are really advanced point-and-shoot cameras that produce excellent results. The G1 took me to the professional level (heresy to some, I'm sure). It succeeds the Contax and Fuji film cameras I have owned for years.

Everything positive that has been written about the camera is valid. It matches my Contax Aria in size and feel, but is lighter, especially the lens. As one writer said, it is built to be controlled by the user, not vice versa, and the controls are mercifully accessible. Yes, the small buttons can be troublesome, but one develops feel and technique over time. The menus are very well laid out.

My greatest pleasure is the manual zoom, which puts me back with my professional-level 35-mm cameras. Electrical zoom is slow and imprecise, and consumes power; manual zoom is fast and accurate.

Second is the compact size and light weight. Until one has held and used the camera, one cannot appreciate how delightful and rewarding these features are. I do not hesitate to reach for it whenever I need to take pictures. Infrequently, I choose the Kodak, which is about six years old, because it is about half the size and weight, but the G1 is my choice when I want the greatest flexibility and highest-quality images.

The noise that some writers have noted is relative. Some people will find it annoying; I suspect their hearing might be more acute than others'. The design of the camera requires that the shutter must always be open, in order to produce the viewfinder image. When the shutter button is pressed, the shutter closes, rapidly re-opens to capture the image, closes again, and opens again. It's almost impossible to generate that much activity without producing some sound. I am impressed that it is a soft as it is. Anyone more than one or two feet away will not hear it.

In low light, the camera uses an infra-red beam and sensor, so the shutter response can be slower than usual. In normal and bright light, the focusing is virtually instantaneous, and essentially inaudible.

The built-in flash is barely adequate, and yes, high-ISO images tend to be "noisy." For serious low-light photography, I recommend the DMW-FL500 external flash. However, adjusting the exposure can help, and Photoshop and equivalent software does an outstanding job of bringing out the hidden details and re-balancing the color.

I would strongly urge buyers to order the high-capacity battery. The criticism of the short charge duration in the standard battery is valid, which is why I ordered my camera with two high-capacity batteries. Depending on flash usage, these batteries will run the camera between two and four hours continuously on a charge. The internal viewfinder shuts itself off when the camera is moved away from the user's eye, and the camera shuts down after a couple of minutes of inactivity. These functions extend the life of the battery to essentially a full day.

I agree with other writers that 4:3 is a format to be taken very seriously. It is optically all but indistinguishable from full-frame camera images.

I have taken thousands of photographs during my many years. This camera is as comfortable and enjoyable as the best of my 35-mm and medium-format cameras.

Panasonic has built an outstanding camera in this model. Don't hesitate to buy it.